While understanding the importance of good fielding in cricket, teams have made fitness a part of the selection criteria for the squad. Good fielding not only saves runs for the teams, but also leads to catch-outs, which are the batters’ tickets to the dugout. It is only after legitimate planning that the chance of a catch is created. Hence, it becomes quite important to grab that chance. Over the years, New Zealand has produced some of the best fielders the world has ever seen. In this article, we will be diving into the details of the top Kiwi players who have taken the greatest number of catches in Test cricket.

1. Stephen Fleming

We begin this list with Stephen Fleming. Fleming has caught 171 catches in 199 innings of 111 Test matches between 1994 and 2008. The left-handed top-order batter will go down in cricket history as the country’s most successful captain and one of their best batters. He was the first New Zealander to pass 7000 Test runs.

2. Ross Taylor

On number two, we have Ross Taylor with 163 catches in 212 innings. Ross has appeared in 112 test matches during 2007-2022. The right-handed middle-order batter has been the fulcrum of New Zealand’s batting for more than ten years. He made his Test debut against Australia.

3. Kane Williamson

Next up on the list is Kane Williamson. While playing for the nation since 2010, Kane caught 82 catches in 179 innings of 94 matches. The right-handed top-order batter will probably finish his career as New Zealand’s greatest batter. He has been the pillar of the New Zealand batting line-up since his debut and is one of the most loved global figures.

4. Tom Latham

On the fourth spot, we have Tom Latham, who has pocketed 78 catches in 144 innings. In his 74 matches since 2014, Tom has served the team as a left-handed batter as well as the primary wicketkeeper. He settled in the opener’s spot that New Zealand had trouble filling for years. Tom is the son of former all-rounder Rod Latham.

5. Tim Southee

Tim Southee stands in the fifth position on this list with 73 catches. Southee has featured in 181 innings since 2008. The right-arm medium-fast swing bowler made a stylish debut. Over the next decade, he, and Trent Boult, went on to become the world’s best new-ball bowling pair.

6. Martin Crowe

Making it to the sixth place on this list is Martin Crowe. Martin bagged 71 catches in 130 innings of 77 matches during 1982-1995. The right-handed middle-order batter became the standard by which New Zealand batters were measured. Despite being only 19 years old at the time of his Test debut, Martin possessed great elegance and range.

7. Nathan Astle

On number seven of the list, we have Nathan Astle with 70 catches under his name. While featuring in 147 innings of 81 matches between 1996 and 2006, Nathan served the team as a lively all-rounder. The opening batter had breezy confidence and was primarily known for his medium-fast bowling.

8. Jeremy Coney

With 64 catches in his pocket, Jeremy Coney stands in the eighth position on this list. While playing for the nation during 1974-1987, Jeremy appeared in 97 innings of 52 matches. The tall, fit, and enthusiastic batting all-rounder was an organized batter, a steady medium-pacer, and a fine fielder.

9. Daniel Vettori

On the ninth spot of this list, we have Daniel Vettori. Daniel caught 58 catches in 203 innings. In his 112 Test matches between 1997 and 2014, the all-rounder turned out to be one of New Zealand’s most valuable players. He became only the eighth player to scalp 300 Test wickets and 3000 runs.

10. Bryan Young

Last but least, the final player to make it to this list of elite fielders is Bryan Young. Bryan bagged 54 catches in 58 innings of 35 Test matches. The right-handed wicketkeeper batter played down the lower order initially. However, he reinvented himself and became a great opening batter.